Overall Member Rating

The Elation Jan. 20-24

My wife and I, as is our usual want, arrived late and therefore could not park in the terminal deck. As such, we were taken by bus to an area around the civic center several blocks away (a circumstance we had not considered). In any event, embarkation was typical (slow); but no worse than any other cruise of this size. Once onboard we made way to our room which appeared clean (no refrigerator however). (One negative: in making our way down the hall to our room there was a persistent odor which pervaded the lower decks. After an hour or two; it was no longer detectable). Regardless, the over appearance of the room and the public areas was good and clean.

MEALS

We did not have a bad meal the entire trip. Steak, Veal, Egg Plant, Soups and Salads were excellent. We opt to dine and not trough.

SERVICE

Service is every form was exceptional. Our Cabin Stewart: Louie was pleasant and kept our room in tip-top shape. Common areas were constantly being More
cleaned; and the buffets were the cleanest we have seen on Carnival. Our waiter, Zubin, was the best we have had on any cruise; and that's saying something.

BACK TO COMMON AREAS

One problem that we noticed was that Carnival had removed ALL trash disposals (absent those immediately in the door of restrooms and immediately out..none of which were lined with bags) in all public areas...if you have garbage it's back to the room or one of the small aluminum containers immediately in/out of the restroom.

CRUISERS

Alot of first time cruisers wearing the patches and absolutely oblivious to the fact that anyone else was on board. Quite a few obnoxious drunks and people who haven't the sense to guide right when your meeting someone either on deck or up/down the stairs....heck people...did any of you attend the first grade? But then again, what does one expect? These four and five day cruises are essentially "Booze Cruises"; and coupled with the fact that they're cheap...well..there you have it.

COZUMEL

We have been to Cozumel over ten times. We take the self-guided ride around the island and stop at the various restaurants and bars..And here's a tip: dine at the "Money Club" immediately South of the new dock and billed as having the "Best Cheeze-Burger's On The Island"...the food was better than any we've had on the square in San Miguel...tacos, burgers, fajitas and cold draft beer Dos XX's...also fresh salsa (green and red)(mild and HOT)...everything was fresh and prepared to order.

SAILING

Well, at least one things for sure: the propulsion system has been fully repaired.. we were early for Cozumel and back to Mobile likewise. Cruising was smooth the entire trip.

BOTTOMLINE

For the money, you cannot beat Carnival. People like us, who have cruised with many lines, know this very well. You cannot have the service, food and rooms like we had; at these prices, any where else...PERIOD. Further, it is readily apparent that the line has steadily made improvements (which are noticed by the old salts.) One more thing; and this is a BIG ONE: my wife and I agree that debarkation was the fastest we had EVER experienced...get this: once on the gangway, we never dropped our bags once. Less